Water Management and Use in the Amur-Heilong River Basin: Challenges and Prospects

The Amur-Heilong River is the longest water body in the Eastern Hemisphere and is also known as the eleventh largest river basin in the world. The river passes through the neighboring territories of Russia, China and Mongolia and represents an important transboundary water body. Analysis conducted in this paper examines the most crucial Amur-Heilong watershed characteristics and problems. The discussion pays particular attention to the regional water management strategies and specifically to water quality and quantity concerns. Additionally, this article identifies a number of potential threats to environmental security and focuses on their implications for human health and chances of transboundary conflicts escalation.